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Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, bid farewell to Barcelona Femini fans in an emotional post on Instagram on Thursday as she confirmed her departure from the club to join National Women’s Soccer League club Bay FC.
Oshoala completed her move to Bay FC on Thursday after signing a two-year deal with an option of another year for a reported fee of $162,000.
“As I bid farewell to this incredible team and the city that has been my home for the past five years, I am filled with mixed emotions,” Oshoala said in a post on Instagram.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to wear the Barcelona Femini jersey and represent this prestigious club.
“Since joining the team in 2019, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Together, we have lifted several trophies and these achievements are a testament to hard work, dedication and I feel privileged to have been a part of this team.”
The former Liverpool and Arsenal forward joined Barcelona permanently on a three-year deal after an impressive loan spell from Chinese side Dalian Quanjian in 2019.
She went on to make 162 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 117 goals, including a record-setting season feat in 2022, when she was the joint top scorer in the league with 19 goals.
The two-time Ballon D’or nominee top the scorers chart three times in Spain, helping the club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in 2021 and 2023, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups and the Copa de la Reina three times.
She is the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and also score in the Champions League final in 2019.
She added, “But beyond the trophies and accolades, what I will cherish most are the relationships I have built with some of my teammates, coaches, staff and the amazing fans. You have become my family and I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have shown me.
“As I embark on a new journey, I want you to know that Barcelona Femini will always hold a special place in my heart. I will carry with me the memories, lessons and friendships that I have gained during my time here.”
Reacting to her arrival at the club, Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton, believes the Nigerian will bolster the club with her quality.
“To have the opportunity to add a player of Asisat’s quality, experience and winning pedigree to our roster is an exciting and important day for the club and the NWSL,” Rushton told the club website.
“She (Oshoala) brings a top-class mentality to the field combined with pace and technical ability that allows her to lead the line, while also giving those players around her the license to be creative and thrive in space. Asisat is a proven goal scorer at the most elite levels of World football, and she comes here to continue that with Bay FC.”
The six-time CAF Player of The Year winner will occupy an international roster spot and joins the team pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.
Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has been cleared to feature for the Super Eagles against Angola on Friday, DAILY POST reports.
Nwabali was a major doubt for the game after sustaining a mild ligament injury in the Super Eagles Round of 16 victory against Cameroon.
The Chippa United shot stopper has now recovered fully from the injury.
The 27-year-old trained fully with his teammates at the Police College, Cocody, Abidjan on Wednesday night.
Nwabali has conceded just once in four appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles will take on the Black Antelopes in a quarter-final tie at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
[DailyPost]
CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not have their proposed ‘Last Dance’ as the former has been ruled out of tomorrow’s friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami.
The 38-year-old Ronaldo has been nursing an injury, which caused his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr to cancel two friendlies in China last week.
Al Nassr manager Luis Castro revealed today that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not be available for the friendly in Riyadh against Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
“Ronaldo is in the final part of his recovery to join the group,” Castro told reporters today.
“We hope that in the next few days he can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game (against Inter Miami).”
Messi and Ronaldo faced each other and scored a year ago in Saudi Arabia as PSG beat a Riyadh All-Star XI 5-4, but Inter Miami’s visit this week was billed as the last chance for the stars, 36 and 38 respectively, to play against each other.
The two superstars have been big rivals for the past 15 years, especially the nine years they were in LaLiga at the same time, Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
[NaijaNews]
The Super Eagles pocketed a whopping $30,000 each for getting past the group stage of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Jose Peseiro’s side finished second in Group A behind the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea.
The previous arrangement, according to SCORENigeria, was for each player to be paid a $5,000-a-match bonus to the final.
It has since been jettisoned with a lump sum payment for each round of the competition.
The team will get an additional bonus for the Round of 16 victory against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Jose Peseiro’s side will take on the Black Antelopes of Angola in a quarter-final fixture at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday.
[DailyPost]
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 2023 round of 16 fixtures were concluded on Tuesday, paving the way for thrilling quarter-final clashes.
Eight teams advanced to the quarter-final stage.
The matches played in the round of 16 were close contests, but the best teams made their way to the quarter-finals.
Angola qualified after battling to a 3-0 win over Namibia on Saturday to meet Nigeria in the quarter-final stage.
Nigeria had defeated their counterpart the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 on Jan. 27.
The Super Eagles will then have a stern test against two-time quarterfinalists, Angola’s Palancas Negras, in the quarter-final on Friday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan at 6.00 p.m.
DR Congo secured a slim victory against a gritty Egpyt on Jan. 28, winning the game via penalty shootout 8-7 after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regular time; they are now set to battle Guinea.
Guinea ended the race of Equatorial Guinea on Sunday with a shock 1-0 win to face DR Congo in the quarter-final stage.
Other intriguing match-ups include Monday’s encounter which saw a late penalty that sent Cape Verde through 1-0 against Mauritania.
Host Cote d’Ivoire got through to the quarter-finals after an intense penalty shootout (5-4) against defending champions Senegal, after battling out a 1-1-draw in regular time.
Cote d’Ivoire will aim for another upset against Mali.
On Tuesday, in the last round of 16 tie, Mali bundled out opponents Burkina Faso 2-1 to book a place in the quarter-final stage to face host Cote d’ ivoire.
South Africa also beat Atlas Lions of Morocco 2-0, and will now face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in the quarter-final stage.
Following Tuesday night’s last round of 16 tie matches, the stage is now set for several highly anticipated quarter-final clashes.
The quarter-final matches are scheduled to run from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3.
Below is the full list of the quarter-final fixtures and venues:
Friday
Nigeria vs Angola (Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan by 6.00pm.)
DR Congo vs Guinea (Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe at 9.00pm.)
Saturday
Mali vs Côte d’Ivoire (Stade de la paix Bouake at 6.00pm.)
Cape Verde vs South Africa (Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro at 9.00pm. (NAN)
Super Eagles of Nigeria have received an injury boost ahead of their quarter final clash against Angola with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali back in training.
Concerns had grown about the Chippa United goalie’s fitness ahead of the Angola clash after picking up an injury in the last game against Cameroon.
The 27-year-old has been impressive in between the sticks for the Super Eagles as he has only conceded once in four matches in the ongoing AFCON tournament.
In a video shared by journalist Pooja on X, Stanley Nwabali could be seen practising with the goalkeeper trainer in the team’s latest training session.
This comes following a scan carried out on the injury Nwabali sustained and of which its result is still being awaited.
However, with Nwabali back in training, the goalkeeper is not totally ruled out of the encounter against Angola.
Super Eagles will trade tackles with the Palancas Negras of Angola on Friday at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
Media
African player of The Year, Victor Osimhen and other two Super Eagles players, Moses Simon and William Troost-Ekong passed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) random anti-doping tests and are free to take part in their quarter-final clash with Angola on Friday.
CAF picked Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles winger and defender, Moses Simon and William Troost-Ekong for random drug tests after their last group match and 2-0 Round of 16 victory over Cameroon.
Victor Osimhen played a significant role for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage and the Round of 16 clash against Cameroon.
Reports indicated that the Nigerian international underwent the test following the match against Guinea-Bissau.
Similarly, FC Nantes forward Simon Moses and William Troost-Ekong, have also been subjected to dope tests.
The random tests are standard procedures, typically conducted on players whose enhanced energy levels may raise suspicions of substance use.
Additionally, sources revealed that two Cameroonian players also underwent similar tests, noting that Osimhen is not the sole player involved in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Coach Peseiro’s side will face Angola in the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON tournament on Friday.
It will be Ivory Coast vs Mali in the quarter-finals stage of the 2023 AFCON on February 3, as the Malian side held on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 earlier today, January 30.
The 2023 AFCON round of 16 game was expected to be a balanced tie and wasn’t far from that though Mali grabbed an early lead in the encounter.
Bayer Leverkusen center-back, Edmond Tapsoba gifted Mali the lead in the third minute of the match via an own goal.
The Malians held to the slim lead throughout the first half as the Burkinabès fought hard to grab an equaliser all to no avail.
Unfortunately for the Burkinabès, the second half started almost like the first half. The Malians grabbed a goal just two minutes after the start of the half but this time around, it wasn’t through an own goal.
Lassine Sinayoko who plays as a forward for Ligue 2 club Auxerre scored Mali’s second goal in the encounter in the 47th minute.
The goal didn’t discourage Burkina Faso from pushing to get back into the game. Their push paid off hugely when Aston Villa winger, Bertrand Traoré grabbed a goal back via a spot-kick in the 57th minute.
Despite the push from Burkinabès for the equalizer in the remaining minutes of the game, Mali stood their ground as they knocked out the West African team with a 2-1 scoreline.
This means that Mali will face spirited Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals at the Peace of Bouake Stadium by 6 p.m. on February 3, 2024.
South Africa recorded the biggest shocker in the 2023 AFCON as they knocked out the best-rated national team in Africa, Morocco earlier today, January 30.
Unlike South Africa who came into the 2023 AFCON as one of the underdogs, Morocco were seen as the favourites to win the tournament after being the first African country to reach the semi-final stage of the FIFA World Cup in the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar.
Most football enthusiasts thought Morocco would bring the same form to the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast but they couldn’t do as much as expected.
At the Stade de San Pédro, the Moroccan side faced a resilient South African side who were determined to do the unthinkable and successfully achieved their aim in style.
They both played a goalless draw in the first half which made the second half more intense but the South African side held their own throughout the game.
The Bafana Bafana opened the scoresheet in the 57th minute through the boots of Evidence Makgopa.
The South African team maintained the slim lead throughout the regulation time and got a big boost when Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat was shown the red card in the 94th minute.
A minute later, Teboho Mokoena doubled the lead for the Bafana Bafana as the game ended 2-0 in favour of South Africa.
The Bafana Bafana will take on Cape Verde in the quarter-final stage of the tournament at 9 p.m. on February 3.
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has refused to rule out Stanley Nwabali from the side’s quarter-final fixture against Angola.
Nwabali sustained a knee injury in Nigeria’s thrilling 2-0 victory against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon last Saturday.
The 27-year-old was replaced by Francis Uzoho 10 minutes from time.
The Chippa United shot stopper sat out training on Monday night at the Police College, Cocody.
“He (Nwabali) is with us, we are hoping he will be available for the game against Angola,” Peseiro told reporters.
“He will undergo another test on Wednesday. After that we will know whether he can play or not.”
The Super Eagles will take on the Palancas Negras of Angola at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Friday.
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South African club, Chippa United are demanding €2m to sell their Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, DAILY POST reports.
Nwabali has been one of the standout performers for Nigeria at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 27-year-old has kept three clean sheets in four outings for the Super Eagles in the competition.
The shot stopper has also cut the eye with his impressive displays for Chippa United this season.
Belgian Pro League outfit, Union St Gilloise are reportedly leading the chase for Nwabali.
The former Katsina United goal tender is a major doubt for Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 quarter-final clash with Angola on Friday.
He sustained a knee injury in the Super Eagles Round of 16 victory against perennial rivals, Cameroon last Saturday.
Mikel Arteta, it is reported, has no plans to leave Arsenal for Barcelona this summer. This is coming against the background of rumours that he will replace Xavi.
Recall that there had been a sensational report in Spain claiming he could walk away at the end of the season, MailOnline reported.
Sport, a Catalonia-based publication, claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering stepping away from his post early.
Sources close to Arsenal have adamantly denied that there is any truth in the Catalan press reports. They said Arteta was committed to managing the Gunners.
Barcelona are looking for a new manager this summer to replace Xavi. And they have close links to Sport, who claim that Joan Laporta is a big fan of Arteta.
Arteta
Arteta is tied down to a contract running until 2025. And with the Gunners challenging for the Premier League title and Champions League as the season nears its climax.
Arteta took charge at Arsenal in 2019 after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s trusted No. 2 at Manchester City. He has gone on to win three trophies during his spell in north London. He got the FA Cup and the Community Shield twice.
The Spaniard also guided Arsenal to a sensational Premier League title charge last season. It ensured they returned to the Champions League.
Arteta progressed through the famed La Masia academy at Barcelona. But he struggled for opportunities and then joined Rangers in a deal worth £6 million in 2002.
Xavi
Xavi announced he would leave Barcelona shortly after their 5-3 defeat by Villarreal.
Speaking post-match, he said: “Before you ask me the pertinent questions, I want to announce that as of June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach.
“We have been talking about it with Laporta and with the sports area. And, as a cule, I think that the club needs a change of dynamic. Thinking about the club and the players; I think they will free themselves and will be calmer.
‘Thinking as a club man I think, ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’.
“That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months. I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”
Arteta, who has managed 211 matches at Arsenal and won 121 of them, may well now be seen as a strong contender to step in to replace Xavi. MailOnline
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been selected by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for random drug tests at the tournament.
A source told DAILY POST that Osimhen was tested against hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon.
“(He was) tested against Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon. That is twice in four games,” the source said.
The Napoli striker was fouled for the penalty that gave Nigeria a 1-0 win over the Ivorians.
Osimhen then put in a ‘battering ram’ performance against the Indomitable Lions as they won 2-0 in a last-16 clash on Sunday.
He set up the first goal for Ademola Lookman and was a constant menace for the Cameroonians, before he was replaced by Paul Onuachu late in the game.
Osimhen’s only goal came in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first fixtures.
The current CAF Player of the Year is expected to lead the line for the three-time champions when they face Angola in the quarter-finals this week.
[DailyPost]
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given special praise to five Super Eagles’ players while reacting to Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 victory against Cameroon on Saturday night.
Sanwo-Olu, who watched the AFCON encounter on Television in Lagos, also urged Jose Peseiro’s side to keep the momentum forward as they qualified for the quarter-final.
Recall that a brace from Ademola Lookman gave Nigeria a 2-0 win over Cameroon.
In a series of tweets via his X account after the game, the government wrote, “I totally enjoyed the Super Eagles’ incredible display of teamwork and determination tonight against the team from Cameroon.
“From Osimhen’s hard work to Lookman’s brace to Ekong and Bassey’s very solid performances as well as Nwabali’s solidity, kudos to the entire team.
“Onto the quarterfinals! Let’s carry this momentum forward, Super Eagles. Best of luck in the next round, and may our journey in #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 continue to shine bright.”
Meanwhile, former Nigeria international, Nwankwo Kanu has reacted to Super Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 victory over Cameroon on Saturday night.
Reacting, Kanu, in a post via his X account, congratulated Jose Peseiro’s side and hailed their combined effort against Cameroon.
The Arsenal legend wrote: “KAN U BELIEVE IT YESSSSSSSS KANU BELIEVE IT Super Eagles Nigeria are on their way to the quarterfinals #AFCON2023. Combined effort everyone @ng_supereagles, more goals ahead congratulations.”
On his part, Nigeria attacker, Victor Boniface, who withdrew from the Super Eagles squad at AFCON due to injury, wrote: “Respect brother @victorosimhen9.”
[NationalDaily]